Strong and Weak Acids and Bases

A strong acid completely dissociates into its ions in aqueous solution. Hydrochloric acid is an example of a strong acid.HCl(aq) → H⁺(aq) + Cl^-(aq)A weak acid only partially dissociates in aqueous solution. Ethanoic acid is a weak acid.CH₃COOH (aq) ⇌ CH₃COO^-(aq) + H⁺(aq)Note the use of → for a strong acid and ⇌ for a weak acid.